The 2028 Litmus Test: Cherundolo's U-23 Roster Signals Gold Ambitions
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As Steve Cherundolo assembles a polished youth squad for matches against Scotland and Ukraine, the synergy with the senior team suggests a strategic push for Olympic glory in Los Angeles.
For those of us tracking the four-year Olympic cycle, the road to Los Angeles 2028 doesn't start with a countdown clock—it starts with a roster.
Steve Cherundolo has officially named his first U-23 squad for upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland, as CBS Sports first reported. The composition of the group serves as a critical indicator of whether the U.S. can actually deliver a gold medal on home soil. This isn't a developmental experiment; it is a high-ceiling assembly of talent designed to establish a competitive identity early.
According to CBS Sports, the roster is defined by its experience. Six of the selected players have already received call-ups to the senior United States men's national team, with four of them earning caps during the international break in September and October. The depth is further highlighted by the presence of eight players based abroad, including Benjamin Cremaschi of Parma Calcio 1913, who was part of the 2024 Olympic squad and remains eligible for 2028.
**Opinion: The Blueprint for Gold**
In my view, the most telling detail isn't just the individual talent, but the structural synergy between the youth and senior levels. CBS Sports reports that this camp will take place alongside the senior team at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center. This mirrors the setup used by the U.S. women's national team in their previous camp.
By integrating the U-23s with the senior squad, U.S. Soccer is creating a fluid pipeline. This allows both Cherundolo and senior team coach Mauricio Pochettino to oversee both groups simultaneously. Given the youth of the current senior team, the possibility of players shifting between the two squads is high. If the U.S. wants to win gold in 2028, they cannot afford a disconnect between their youth prospects and their primary national team; they need a singular, cohesive philosophy.
Cherundolo noted that the goal is to "establish our identity and build a strong foundation," describing the upcoming international matches as a chance to challenge and grow. The pressure is already mounting, however. Because the 23-man Olympic squad allows for three overage players, the competition for the remaining spots will be fierce.
As we look toward 2028, this roster is the first real evidence of whether the U.S. has the depth to compete at the highest level. With a mix of domestic talent from clubs like San Diego FC and the Philadelphia Union, and European-based players from the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and SV 07 Elversberg, the foundation is set. Now, the litmus test begins on the pitch.